Best of Dominican Republic

Arrive in Punta Cana and meet a driver waiting outside the terminal with a personalized sign for the transfer to the historic district of Santo Domingo, driving 190 km / 118 miles for approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching the cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial, the afternoon remains open to discover the oldest city in the New World at a personal pace. If the flight arrives directly in Santo Domingo, the transfer to the historic center is also included. After reaching this storied destination, settle into your hotel in Santo Domingo to rest or explore at your leisure.

Meet yout guide at the hotel reception at 10:00 a.m. to learn about the history of the first European city in North America. This location saw the construction of the first cathedral in the New World, the residence of the first governor, the installation of the first bishop, and the opening of the first hospital. This bustling city of over a million people has many cultural and architectural attractions that exist nowhere else on the island of Hispaniola. Spend the day in the historic old town, the Zona Colonial, exploring palaces, forts, museums, and churches within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through Calle de las Damas, the first street paved in Santo Domingo, and navigate the shops and restaurants of the El Conde pedestrian way.

For lunch, taste sancocho, the signature dish of Dominican cuisine. This hearty stew combines various meats with local Caribbean ingredients like yams, musk gourds, cassava, and plantains, served with sides of rice and avocado. Return to the hotel after lunch for an afternoon at your leisure to relax or stroll around the city. At 6:00 p.m., a transfer arrives to take you to the Ruins of San Francisco for a unique outdoor concert. Every weekend, the group Bonyé performs merengue, son, and jazz for locals of all ages who gather to dance and celebrate. After experiencing the rhythmic ambiance of the ruins, return to your hotel in Santo Domingo.

Please note that the Bonyé concert takes place on weekends only and is weather permitting. Starting this tour on a Saturday is recommended to ensure all scheduled visits are available.

After breakfast, meet your driver at 9:00 a.m. for a drive toward the Gualey neighborhood, located on the western bank of the Ozama River, to discover a side of Santo Domingo far from the typical tourist routes. During this visit to the Rincón de Luz foundation, meet the director to learn about local education and healthcare initiatives before handing over a pre-arranged food donation to the children. A guided walk through the district offers an authentic impression of daily life, including a stop at the pozos—natural spring-fed pools—and a chance to grab refreshments at a local colmado. To conclude the morning, board the cable car in Gualey for a gondola ride over the Ozama River, providing an aerial perspective of the city's contrasting landscapes.

The drive then continues north along the country's oldest highway toward the Cordillera Central, a trip covering 150 km (93 miles) for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. As the road enters the region often called the Dominican Alps, the landscape shifts to pine forests and mountain valleys. Located 600 meters above sea level, the town of Jarabacoa offers a spring-like climate perfect for the outdoors. Before arriving at your destination, take a scenic walk through the mountain air to one of the region’s renowned waterfalls. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Jarabacoa to rest or explore at your leisure.

Please note that a portion of this excursion's price directly supports the Rincón de Luz foundation through the food donation presented during the visit.

After breakfast, visit the Monte Alto coffee factory, where you will learn everything about the cultivation and processing of coffee. Of course, there will also be a coffee tasting. Afterward, take a walk through the mountains of the Dominican Republic to one of the famous waterfalls in the region. Enjoy the impressive view and landscape, and immerse yourself in the unique nature with endemic flora and fauna.

Afterward, the journey continues to Santiago de los Caballeros. Here, visit one of the most renowned cigar factories in the Dominican Republic, La Aurora, where you will learn all about tobacco processing. While there, you can see the workers in action as they expertly assemble the highly sought-after tobacco products by hand. After the tour, the driver will take you to your hotel. Use the afternoon to relax or take a short walk around town.

Leave Santiago after breakfast and drive through a fertile valley toward San Francisco de Macorís to reach the shade of towering jungle trees. At Hacienda La Esmeralda, a supplier to world-renowned chocolate producers, follow the Sendero del Cacao to gain insight into the cultivation and production of the prized cacao fruit. This visit includes a tasting of both the raw cocoa and finished chocolate, followed by lunch on the plantation.

The drive then continues toward the Samaná Peninsula, a trip covering 165 km (103 miles) for approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. This tropical region, stretching across secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs, is home to crystal-clear mountain rivers and vibrant landscapes. Upon reaching the northern coast, enter the lively hub of Las Terrenas to find an authentic island atmosphere. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel in Las Terrenas to rest or explore at your leisure.

Please note that the Hacienda La Esmeralda cocoa plantation remains closed on Mondays.

The day is yours to spend among the peninsula's notable stretches of sand and clear water. Walk along the shoreline where palm trees line the coast, or find a spot at a local beachside shack to sample freshly prepared seafood and tropical fruit. The air in Las Terrenas often carries the sounds of merengue and bachata from nearby cafes, offering a glimpse into the local rhythm of the town. You may choose to arrange optional excursions to nearby waterfalls and hidden coves or simply settle into your hotel in Las Terrenas to rest or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy your last sight of the beach before going to Punta Cana airport to catch your flight back home or extend your stay at the Bayahibe or Punta Cana beaches.

Note: If you are interested in extending to Bayahibe or Punta Cana, please contact your Trip Planner.